With passenger numbers continuing to grow there was an urgent need to understand the current capacity of each terminal system, identify additional capacity that could quickly be found and establish what facilities were needed to meet future demands.
Real data is important if accurate results are to be produced, so step one was to undertake observational surveys at the airport to establish metrics such as process times and throughput rates and to better understand the current operation. We also observed aircraft turnarounds to identify any efficiencies that could be gained. We used the CAST Terminal simulation tool – an industry simulation tool that uses flight schedules to build a model of passenger movements around the airport, enabling us to assess the current capacity and future requirements for each of the passenger processes.
Enhancing capacity was our main focus, specifically identifying any ‘quick wins’ that could be almost immediately implemented. We proposed a number of changes including optimised queuing systems at check-in, longer roller beds at security gates, and removing trolleys from between baggage carousels. We also made suggestions to improve aircraft turn-around times and thus increase stand utilisation.
Our ‘quick wins’ have the potential to help our client delay major investment by boosting capacity and long-term resilience.